What are the origin stories that we tell about natural occurrences? Ovid's epic poem, Metamorphoses, mythologizes the human and natural world’s capacity for transformation, particularly between earth, sea, and sky.

Showcasing the Center's 1632 edition of the Metamorphoses, Center Librarian, Jeff Goodhind, leads a conversation on the story of Perseus' slaughter of the sea monster, Cetus, whose remains were banished to the stars. A coda to this encounter features the origin myth of coral: Perseus bathes Medusa’s head in the ocean, and when the Gorgon’s blood touches seaweed, it hardens the weed to stone. In preparation for discussion, we invite participants to bring their own examples of stories told about the origins, shapes, and transformation of the natural world.